IPL 2026: A major controversy has erupted amid Rajasthan Royals’ fourth consecutive win in IPL 2026. The team’s long-time manager, Romi Bhinder, was caught on camera using a mobile phone in the dugout, sparking speculation of a breach of anti-corruption protocols. The incident occurred when Rajasthan Royals defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore by 6 wickets in Guwahati on April 10. During the match, TV cameras showed Bhinder using a mobile phone in the dugout, where young player Vaibhav Suryavanshi was also sitting next to him.
Mobile phones are prohibited in the dugout during match
A BCCI official confirmed to PTI that this was a violation of Player and Match Officials Area (PMOA) protocol. According to the rules, mobile phone use is strictly prohibited in the dugout during a match. The IPL’s official rules also clearly state that team managers can use phones in the dressing room, but not in the dugout. Lalit Modi wrote on X, “Mobile phones are strictly prohibited in the dugout. Has this actually happened? I hope not. If it has, the @IPL Governing Council should take immediate action.”
Romi Bhinder is expected to be fully aware of these rules. Therefore, this incident is being taken seriously. According to reports, while this mistake may have been unintentional, it still constitutes a violation of the rules. It will now depend on the match referee and the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) report to determine whether he will be warned or face more stringent action, such as a match ban. This matter has also drawn attention because, after the match, Vaibhav Suryavanshi referred to Romi Bhinder as his local guardian. Therefore, the entire incident will now be closely monitored.
UPDATE: Showcause notice issued
RR manager has been given 48 hours to respond to the showcause notice issued by the BCCI.
“The Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) Anti-corruption unit (ACSU) have issued a show-cause notice to Bhinder on Sunday seeking a reply in 48 hours,” a BCCI official said.
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